Parabens are group of preservative ingredients used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal hygiene and food products. Parabens prevent the growth of potentially harmful microbes such as bacteria ,fungi or yeast, thereby increasing shelf-life of cosmetics.

1. Are Parabens Safe ?
By
Dr Kamala DN

2. Parabens
• What are parabens?
• Where are parabens found?
• Types of parabens
• Are parabens safe?
• Regulation on parabens
• How to avoid?

3. Parabens
What are Parabens?
• Parabens are group of preservative ingredients used in
pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal hygiene and food products.
• Parabens prevent the growth of potentially harmful microbes such
as bacteria ,fungi or yeast, thereby increasing shelf-life of cosmetics.

4. Parabens
What are Parabens?
• Parabens are derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) that
occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers,
cherries, carrots, blueberries and onions.
• PHBA also is naturally formed in the human body by the breakdown
of some amino acids.

5. Parabens
Where are parabens found?
Cosmetics, food and drugs
• Shampoos, sunscreens, shaving cream
• Conditioners, lotions,
• Moisturizers, toothpaste etc.

6. Parabens
What are foods that contain Parabens?
Typical products which contain parabens for
preservation include: Beer, jams, dairy products,
sauces ,pickles, desserts, frozen meals, processed
meat and fish, soft drinks, processed vegetable,
canned foods, flavoured syrups ,alcoholic
beverages.

7. Parabens
What are the types of Parabens?
Most commonly used parabens are
• Methyl paraben,
• Propyl paraben,
• Butyl paraben,
• Ethyl paraben.

8. Parabens
Are Parabens safe?
A 2004 study found parabens in tumours of breast cancer patients .
• Parabens are said to disrupt normal hormone functions.
• Parabens can mimic the human hormone “estrogen”, that causes
hormonal imbalance in the body.
• Increased estrogenic activity is linked to breast cancer..

9. Parabens
Are Parabens safe?
• Some scientific studies have shown that parabens may be harmful to
the human body if used in large amounts.
• A 2013 study by University of Reading stating that “parabens at
concentrations measured in human breast tissue can increase
proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.”2

10. Parabens
Are Parabens safe ?
• Long term exposure to parabens can cause skin conditions like redness,
irritation, itchy skin, and many more.
• Parabens can easily absorbed by the skin which causes significant
accumulation.

11. Parabens
What are the regulation on Parabens?
• Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the WHO
consider the chemicals safe at low levels.
• According to international safety organisations such as the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), the American Cancer Society and Health
Canada, parabens are regarded as safe for use in consumer
products.

12. Parabens
How to avoid?
Switch to Paraben free products.
• Look for natural preservatives.
• Oils, Vitamins, Herbs
• Sodium benzoate.

13. Paraben-free
Paraben -free
The term “paraben-free” is used by
companies to tell the customer that
harmful chemicals are not used
in the manufacturing of products.

14. Conclusion
Conclusion
• Studies indicate that regular exposure to foreign chemicals and
preservatives like parabens can be harmful to health.
• Hence it is recommended that to use paraben free products.

15. Thank You…